rnment from a limited to an
absolute monarchy, besides disfranchising a class of citizens who paid
two-thirds of the taxes. This Constitution she undertook to spring upon
the country by a _coup d'etat_, on the day of the prorogation of the
Legislature, January 14th, 1893.

Fortunately, at the critical moment, when her preparations were
complete, her Ministers shrank from sharing the responsibility of
such a revolutionary act, and induced her to postpone it. In such
an undertaking to hesitate is fatal.

Again there was a general uprising of the conservative part of the
community similar to that of 1887. But this time public opinion
condemned all half way measures, and declared the monarchy to be
forfeited by its own act.

The Reform leaders reorganized their forces, and formed a Provisional
Government, which was proclaimed January 17th, 1893 from the Government
Building. The U. S. S. "Boston," which had unexpectedly arrived from
Hilo on the day of the prorogation, landed a force on the 16th, to
protect the lives and property of American citizens, in case of disorder
or incendiarism. The Queen's ministers availed themselves of the
presence of these troops on shore as an excuse for their inaction, and
persuaded the Queen to resign under protest, and to appeal to the
government of the United States.

A treaty of annexation was soon after negotiated with the United States
during President Harrison's administration, which was withdrawn by
President Cleveland immediately after his accession. The failure of his
attempt to restore the monarchy by diplomacy is well known.

THE REPUBLIC OF HAWAII.

During the next year a convention was elected, which sat in Honolulu
during the month of June, 1894, and framed a new Constitution for the
country, and the Republic of Hawaii was formally proclaimed July 4, 1894.

Another royalist conspiracy was formed during the fall of that year,
which resulted in the insurrection of January 6th, 1895, which was
promptly crushed by the patriotic citizens of the Republic.

A dangerous epidemic of Asiatic cholera in the following September, was
stamped out by the united efforts of the public spirited citizens of
Honolulu.

For four years, in spite of hostile influences from without and enemies
at home, the Republic has maintained peace and order, administered
justice, carried on extensive internal improvements, advanced education,
and kept the financial credit of the nation above par in the